Athletics for the Outback bolstered by support of GE

Athletics for the Outback will expand its reach in 2017 thanks to a new partnership announced today with GE.

The partnership between Athletics Australia and GE ensures that Athletics for the Outback will be able to deliver a number of new engagement experiences at events including the Australian Athletics Championships, as well as additional community tours to some of the nation’s most remote locations.

“Sport has a profound ability to contribute to improved social, health and educational outcomes for Indigenous Australians and the announcement today of GE as a Program Partner of Athletics for the Outback ensures that we will be able to expand our great work in this most important area,” Phil Jones, the Athletics Australia Chief Executive Officer, said.

“We are very proud of the way that we have engaged with a number of towns and municipalities via a combination of activities that includes in-school coaching clinics and recreational running events and now look forward to doing more.”

GE joins the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet as a significant contributor to Athletics for the Outback initiatives.

Geoff Culbert, CEO of GE Australia and New Zealand said: “I love the fact that the Athletics for the Outback is promoting healthy and active lifestyles, while at the same time encouraging Indigenous kids to aim high with their education. Through our partnership with Athletics Australia we want to extend the reach of the program and inspire more kids to be their best both physically and academically."

The program calendar for Athletics for the Outback commenced in January, with Athletics Australia joining forces with the University of Melbourne to welcome 35 high-school aged students for the Raise the Bar Academy. A five-day in-residence camp, the experience aims to provide support and guidance to Year 10, 11 and 12 students of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent that are interested in pursuing tertiary education.

Attendance for the Raise the Bar Academy is free thanks to the support of the Australian Government and sponsorship from corporate partners, including GE.

Torres Strait Islander, Australian hurdler, and Raise the Bar mentor Shannon McCann said: “Raise the Bar gives students and mentors the opportunity to connect back to our culture. These kids are from all over Australia. Some of them rock up to camp shy and reserved, and English is their second language. By the end, they’re loud and the centre of attention and having a great time.

“It’s not just about the educational and sporting pathways, it’s also about development on a personal level, and empowering them,” added McCann, who represented Australia in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Community tours commenced last month, with Yuendumu (NT) welcoming Athletics for the Outback facilitators across the course of five days. Students and teachers were upskilled in athletics coaching in an effort to ensure continued engagement with track and field, before support was offered to facilitate a school athletics carnival that welcomes participants from across the region.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will also be welcomed for education sessions at the Australian Athletics Championships today, before further community tours to Cherbourg (Qld), Groote Eylandt (NT), Yirrakala (NT) and the City of Shepparton (Vic) later this year.

Athletics for the Outback is also committed to recognising the contribution of Indigenous Australians to athletics, with the program currently leading the development of Athletics Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan. This Plan is expected to be published in 2017.

For more information on Athletics for the Outback, please click here.